The Trails of Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct*
To experience one of the most breathtakingly beautiful hiking trails in Nova Scotia, a trip to Kejimkujik’s Seaside Adjunct is a must. Situated in Port Joli at the end of the St. Catherine’s River Road, the park offers two trails, each of which leads to white sandy beaches and a host of seals awaiting “photo–ops” while basking on the rocks!
Spectacular Trails
The shorter of the two trails is an easy walk on terrain that can be negotiated with the wearing of sneakers, sandals or hiking shoes. This trail is especially popular with parents of young children as it is relatively short yet complete with “look off” rocks, neat nooks and crannies in which to play hide and seek on the way in; and lots of scurrying squirrels. The trail is abundant with wild flowers, berries, and many rare species of flora and fauna. For those knowledgeable in this area or for those equipped with a field guide, the hike along this trail would be a treat in itself. For those of you not so well versed in things botanical, there are many, unobtrusive but well placed interpretive panels to assist in your understanding and appreciation of the uniqueness that defines this park. But it is what awaits you at the trail’s end that will capture you body and soul. As you come to the end, suddenly, a panoramic view of ocean, crashing waves, seals, rocks and a seemingly endless white sandy beach majestically stretch before you. It is yours to explore, discover, relax and enjoy!
The longer of the two trails definitely would require the wearing of sneakers or hiking boots, as this trail will take you to the edge of nature! This trail follows the headland and provides the opportunity to cross over rocky beaches, through forest paths, past misty, sleepy lagoons, up hills to awe inspiring look-off points where nothing but ocean, seabirds, seals and the remnants of “Little Hope” lighthouse grace the horizon.
Late fall at the park.
As you first enter this trail, you will follow a long expanse of board -walk across a field resplended in the colours of the seasons and the aroma of a rich diversity of plant life. It is at this point in your hike that you will think that it couldn’t possibly get better than this but you will be wrong! The rocky beaches are a testimony to the geological artistry of nature, and the lobster traps you will stumble upon, having been tossed ashore by the Atlantic, (when in a not so friendly mode), are a testimony to those in the area who carve out a living in the fishery, an integral, maritime tradition. From beach, through wooded groves, back to beach again, the entire trail will inspire and re-vitalize you.
The ruins of an old farmstead.
Trail Fees
A few facts you may want to bear in mind before embarking on your journey are, there is now a nominal fee, during the regular season, to enter the park with a reasonable “family rate” ($7.50) being offered; and as tempting as it may be, there are no bikes permitted on the trail.
No matter what the season, clad in sandals, sneakers, boots, snowshoes, or cross-country skis, the Seaside Adjunct will astound you!
*This feature was originally written in 2006. The material has been updated and new photos added.
Great photos and a wonderful article. Makes me homesick for NS. There’s nothing better than Nova Scotia in the summer time, minus the black flies that is.
Glad you liked it, Mike. Actually my wife and I collaborated on this posting. We both love the adjunct. Oh..black flies, very few this year. A good time to visit.